Today, I’d like to share my favorite aromatherapy oils—the ones I frequently use in my practice because I find them to be the most effective.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a must-have for any first-aid kit due to its all-around benefits. It’s fantastic for promoting relaxation, relieving headaches, and easing sharp, shooting pains. It’s also a great remedy for insomnia, helping people achieve better sleep.

Interestingly, lavender played a key role in the resurgence of modern aromatherapy. French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé suffered severe burns in a lab accident and instinctively submerged his hand into lavender oil. Not only did the oil relieve the pain, but it also healed his hand without scarring. This incident sparked the revival of aromatherapy as we know it today.

2. Geranium

I have a particular fondness for geranium, especially for its ability to balance hormones and moods. It’s beneficial for easing menopausal hot flashes and PMS symptoms. Although it’s often considered helpful for women, geranium works just as well for men. Life’s emotional ups and downs affect everyone, and geranium helps stabilize and balance emotions during difficult times.

3. Clary Sage

Clary sage, meaning “clear sight” in French, is the most euphoric of essential oils. It’s deeply relaxing and serves as a great anti-spasmodic, helping to relieve tense, tight muscles. While I’m not overly fond of its scent, I certainly appreciate its calming effects.

4. Bergamot

Bergamot is an excellent oil for balancing energy levels. Whether you have too much energy or not enough, bergamot brings you back to equilibrium. It’s also helpful in reducing anxiety related to eating disorders, making it a good choice for managing conditions like anorexia or obesity. Additionally, bergamot serves as an effective antidepressant and can be used to treat urogenital infections, such as cystitis.

5. Rosemary

While rosemary is often associated with memory, it offers so much more. It’s an excellent liver tonic and a stimulating oil, perfect for those who need a boost in energy. In today’s world, where many people are overworked and stressed, rosemary can be incredibly beneficial. However, it’s not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure.

6. Frankincense

I’ve written about frankincense before, but here’s a recap: Traditionally used by the church to promote prayer and meditation, frankincense is highly valued, even mentioned as a gift from the Three Wise Men to Jesus. It was historically used to banish evil spirits, and today it helps dispel mental negativity. Combining it with lavender can strengthen individuals feeling vulnerable, and it’s excellent for promoting deep breathing, making it helpful for lung-related issues.

7. Rose

Though rose might not seem as exotic as frankincense, it’s actually the most prized and expensive essential oil. This is because it takes a vast quantity of roses to produce even a small amount of oil, which becomes 70 times more potent after refinement. Rose oil is closely tied to the heart chakra and is known for fostering self-love and love for others. It also promotes mental, emotional, and physical balance, as well as hormonal balance, making it beneficial for conditions like menopause and PMS. Applying rose oil to the heart chakra can even help improve relationships!

8. Eucalyptus

A staple from Australia, eucalyptus is fantastic for respiratory issues such as asthma or coughs. Using it in an oil burner while you sleep can help clear the air and protect others from infection. It’s a go-to for keeping the room fresh and germ-free.

9. Tea Tree Oil

Another Australian favorite, tea tree oil, stands out for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It’s particularly useful for treating fungal or viral infections, which are often resistant to other treatments. Tea tree oil can be used for conditions like athlete’s foot and is commonly found in skincare products to keep the skin clear. It’s also great for animals—washing your dog with tea tree oil will help repel fleas and ticks, which is especially handy during summer.

10. Ylang Ylang

Last, but certainly not least, is ylang ylang. Its beautiful fragrance is renowned for its aphrodisiac properties, making it a popular choice in perfumes. Combined with clary sage, it creates a powerful aphrodisiac blend. It’s also known to help soothe anger, making it perfect for some “kiss-and-make-up” moments.

These are my top picks for essential oils, covering a range of conditions. While I don’t limit myself to just these oils, they’re often included in most of my blends. I use aromatherapy in many of my treatments, and I can create a personalized mix for you to use at home.